A Guide On How To BBQ On A Pontoon Boat

Equipment For Grilling in A Pontoon Boat

Just the same as normal cooking, before grilling on board make sure you have all the equipment and accessories you need. 

• Pontoon Boat grill: If you don’t have a grill yet, we recommend that you choose a grill that comes with a mount or can use brackets that let you secure the grill on your boat’s handrails.
• Good chef’s knife and cutting board
• Digital Meat Thermometer
• Tongs and spatula
• Coolers for boating
• Grill basket
• Grilling light for when its dark
• Grill bristle brushes
• Pontoon boat grill mount if your grill doesn’t come with one

Before heading out on the water, save yourself time and avoid stress by pre chopping your veggies and marinating your meat.

You can also bring storage containers and Ziploc bags to help with leftovers and clean up after eating your meal.

How To BBQ On A Pontoon Boat?

Pontoon boats offer boaters an excellent platform for grilling on water. But to have a fun and safe time, there are some tips and necessary steps to take to ensure your grilling goes smoothly onboard.

1. Set up and secure your grill in an open space away from flammables, electronics, and your passengers. 
2. Never use the grill while the boat is moving.
3. Ensure that you have read the grill’s manual for instructions.
4. Never use gasoline or apply an unapproved accelerant to light the grill.
5. If you have a propane grill, check gas connections before lighting.
6. Never leave a lit grill unattended.
7. Position that grill so that the embers or naked flames touch or fall onto the boat.
8. Put out or turn off the grill as soon as you finish cooking.
9. Wait until the grill is fully cooled before putting or storing it away. 
10. Do not dump ashes or coals overboard after cooking. Cover your grill and wait until you return to shore before disposing of it.

While you have total control over what type of food to grill, there are some reminders to keep in mind when it comes to catching fish and grilling it on a boat. 

There aren’t many laws about whether you can grill fish in the same vicinity as where you catch them.  However, it’s generally okay to catch and grill a fish on a boat, they just have to be less than 1.5 pounds of filets per person and have to be a fish in season.

Pontoon Boat Grill

Pontoon boat grills come in three different forms- charcoal, propane, and electric. Each has its own advantage and disadvantages.

• Charcoal grills- Provides authentic BBQ flavor compared to the other types, but produce ashes and embers that could be hazards.
• Propane grills- Easy to set up and don’t produce ashes. But they do use a fuel source that needs extra attention and consideration.
• Electric grills- They heat up fast and don’t have open flames. But they do require a source of A/C power which limits your cooking/grilling time.

It’s easy to understand why some boat owners have apprehensions when it comes to grilling on a boat. Different elements like strong winds, open flame, and limited floor area mean there’s a chance for a fire to break. But with the right gear and knowledge, grilling safely on a boat is absolutely possible.

Pontoon Boat Accessories

Pontoon boats are a great way to have some outdoor family fun on the lake or a party with friends out on the open sea. Check out these practical must-have pontoon boat accessories to add to your boat for smooth sailing.